1 NIL TO THE ARSENAL…

My man of the match Abou Diaby, headed in a cross from Rosicky midway through the second half, to hand arsenal a vital win and all 3 points. This result coupled with chelsea’s loss and united’s draw, throws us right back into the mix for a title challenge.

Liverpool were well organised and made us work hard throughout the game. The first half was uneventful with chances few and far between. Whatever was said to the lads at half time must have ignited the fire in their bellies, because they were a totally different group. Or maybe the importance of winning the game may have finally dawned on them. They pressed liverpool, forcing them into mistakes and creating chances along the way. Rosicky really should have scored after being put through by a fine arshavin pass, but took a touch too many and the chance went begging.

It’s clear bendtner isn’t 100% fit, but a half fit bendtner gave our attack a new dimension tonight, as he harassed the pool defenders and chased after every loose ball. His work rate was terrific and he certainly gave them something to think about. They couldn’t sit back and catch us on the counter because of bendtner, and it makes you wonder if he had played the full 90minute at chelsea, we could have walked away with a good result, but i won’t dwell on that too long.

There were a few nervous moments in the latter stages of the game, liverpool outcast ryan babel forced almunia into a tough save which saw the ball graze the crossbar after almunia had palmed it. Had almunia not gotten a hand to it, we could be talking about 2 vital points dropped at the grove. But as things stand now, it’s 3 points gained and the lead now down to 6 points with a more away games to come for both chelsea and united. This murderous row of games could certainly work to our advantage, provided we keep our end of the deal. Win the rest of our games and forget about united and chelsea, both of whom will certainly drop more points and the loss to united and chelsea will not be so hard to swallow.

The whole team played well tonight, diaby is becoming a revelation this season and you wonder if the light bulb has finally gone on for him. He was everywhere, helping in defence and supporting the attack. The handball incident at the end of the game was clearly a handball but it wasn’t a penalty kick, cesc was on the line and not in the box. Karma sucks doesn’t it ‘pool fans, after dubiously winning a free kick through none other than gerrard’s mastery of diving, that’s what you really deserve. I feel the defence communicated well tonight and performed admirably, much maligned gael clichy wasn’t caught out too many times tonight.

Next game is away at porto which isn’t till next week, and because we are out of the fa cup, it should give the walking wounded some more time to heal. Great win for team and hopefully a first of many to come.

Finally, the situation at Portsmouth is dire and according to premier league rules, we stand to lose all 6 points gained off them should they be liquidated, while the teams who lost to Portsmouth actually benefit because the losses are wiped off.